Cormier Talks About His Career, Failures, and Winning the Belt

Daniel Cormier is one of the most popular light heavyweights in the division, coming in with an undefeated MMA record (14-0) and accomplishments stretching back to his freshman year of high school. He’s an insanely talented wrestler and since beginning his career in mixed martial arts in 2009, he has constantly proven that he is just as dangerous on his feet.

Cormier spoke to Yahoo! Sports’ Kevin Iole about how much his record and performances mean to him, about his accomplishments and failures, and about how he’s getting ready for Dan Henderson on May 24th.

On his dominant Octagon record:
“I’m very proud of it. I’m proud of the fact that every time I go into the Octagon, I’ve been consistent and I’ve not only won, but won going away. I’ve never walked to the center of the cage with my heart beating through the center of my chest, because I knew the judges were going to have written down my name for the decision. I’m very proud of it and I love having that zero attached to my name.”

Despite his flawless record, Cormier still finds that his failures are always in the forefront of his mind, but he uses his disappointments to fuel his need to win a UFC title. When he imagines that final championship victory, Cormier says,
“Athletically, I can say I’ve finally won. I didn’t win the Olympics. I didn’t win the world championships. I didn’t win the NCAA tournament. I always have been one of the best guys, but I have never been the best guy.
“It will be great to be 35, 36 years old and to finally achieve what I strived so many times in my life to be: The absolute best at whatever it is I’m doing. I’ve always been close, but I’ve never been the best, and winning the UFC championship would be the completion of an athletic dream that started when I was fricking 8-9 years old.”

Right now, Cormier is just a single fight away from being paired up with reigning Light Heavyweight phenom, Jon Jones, but he still has the task of going through the legendary and dangerous, Dan Henderson.

“When you’re preparing for a Dan Henderson, you know everything has to be in order. If it’s all not in order, you’re going to get beat up, simple as that. I’ve been thorough in my preparation and I’ve worked hard to cover all of my bases so I’m ready for everything that Dan brings.”

Cormier is set to face of against Henderson at UFC 173 on May 24th, 2014 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas. The winner will be getting a shot at current title holder, Jon “Bones” Jones.

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